Films celebrating 50 years of Chorlton Good Neighbours can be seen at:

Impact Film

Volunteering Film

Sustainability Film

All films have been funded through a Celebrate Lottery Grant , and been produced by Hannah Powell from MACC community reporters, with input and support from volunteers and members of Chorlton Good Neighbours, and staff and pupils of Chorlton High School.

On June 13th Chorlton Good Neighbours had a summer coach trip to Southport. We visited the Royal Clifton Hotel for a delicious two course meal. People then had the choice of staying and relaxing at the hotel or walking into town. Luckily the sun was shining and it was a perfect day for the trip.

Volunteers supported those people who needed assistance by pushing wheelchairs and offering general help and support. Everyone felt better for getting out of city, fresh air and good company.

List of Community and Social Support Contacts for older people in Chorlton & Whalley Range

This list has been drawn from a list of such groups in South Manchester circulated bythe Chorlton Dementia Support Group, As with all such lists it soon becomes out of date as some groups and services close and others emerge. Let me know if you have any updated information or details of other groups that should be included

Chorlton

Age UK Manchester Day Centre – Crossacres: £30 to attend privately and Social Services can ‘spot purchase’ a place from us for £37.74. If the family wish to involve social services they can make a referral via the contact centre, or Michelle can do it on their behalf. That will then mean that they are assessed by a social worker and if they meet the criteria they will receive a funded place(s). Transport available throughout South Manchester including Chorlton. One restriction would be behavioural problems that impact upon others e.g. aggressive. Clients must be able to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet with 2:1 support. The centre provides excellent respite for full time carers. T. 0161 437 0717 or 0161 498 8266

Thursday 10am-4pm – 10am breakfast, 11am craft, 12pm lunch, 1pm social activities.
Lunches are delivered to those who live in the immediate area and are unable to get to the community centre. There are at least 5 trips planned throughout the year at a small cost, and one annual holiday.

Chorlton Good Neighbours:We are a Neighbourhood Care Group looking after and engaging older people in our community which consists of Chorlton, Chorlton Park and Whalley Range. We offer practical services and social and personal support from both fellow members, volunteers of all ages and our 3 workers.
Befriending visits are provided for older people who have restricted mobility. Telephone referrals only, Main contact Helen Hibberd 0161 881 2925. Best to call Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri between 9.30 – 12.30. helen@chorltongoodneighbours.org

CGN Meetings and activities take place at Wilbraham St Ninian’s United Reformed Church, Egerton Road South Chorlton Manchester M21 0XJ. Members are mostly 65+.

Exercise class Mon pm, Wed pm and Fri at 1.30 – 2.30pm.

Tues 1pm-3pm Snooker, darts, bowls and cards afternoon at a local cricket club in Chorlton for older men

Crafts group Wed pm.

Thurs 10am-11.30am Coffee and Craft Session (Transport available if you have limited mobility)

General care and support includes prescription collection and one off shopping, wheelchair pushing, dog walking. Transport to and from hospitals and GP’s etc. Handyman service / help with small practical tasks and DIY.

Chorlton Library

Grand day out – Informal IT drop in and social group. Over 55s. People can take their own tablets, laptops etc. People can learn computer skills e.g. using social media and organising photos. Also arrange trips out too. Contact Dale: T: 0161 227 3700 or 07717788559 Fridays – 14:00 – 16:00. No need to book just turn up.Chorlton Library:Regular Events:

Benefits surgery (Help and advice about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) on Thursday 10am – 4.30pm (Please phone the Revenues and Benefits Unit on 0161 234 3695 for an appointment)

Chorlton Park Adult Learning Centre:
Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, M21 7HH. Computer and internet courses. course run at least 3 times a year in main centres. You can join after a course has started if there is space. Phone 0161 254 7421 for more information.

Chorlton Nutty Knitters:
They meet on Fridays 1pm – 3pm at Arden Court off Cundiff Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8EW. Entry is £1 including a hot drink and biscuits and there’s an optional 50p raffle. All welcome from beginner to expert! For more info contact Brenda on 0161 860 0061 or brenmaylett@hotmail.co.uk

Crafternoon:
For the 50+ The drop-in sessions run every Wednesday between 12-4pm, it’s completely FREE! Takes place at Stitched Up, 527B Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0UF, opposite the North Star Deli on Wilbraham Road. Go down the short lane by the side of Maple Kitchens & Bathrooms. It’s right opposite a bus stop and 50 yards from the tram. Phone 0161 881 7141 for more info or email hello@stitchedup.coop

Chorlton Alternative Art Class:
Includes still life drawing, theatrical drawing, performance drawing, photography and more! Wednesday evenings 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Manchester Road, M21 9JG. This is a peer-led drawing group with occasional guest tutors, specialising in life drawing, theatrical drawing, performance drawing and more. The group was founded in 2010. They aim to provide a drop-in art class for South Manchester and all levels of ability. Costs £6 per class. Contact Chris Bartram for more information on 07900 436 466 or email chrisbartram@gmail.com

Counselling – Face to Face:
An independent organisation run by volunteers. One-to-one personal counselling for adults (i.e. over 18) and a weekly 2 hour therapy group. The adult service is exclusively for people on low income who cannot afford to pay private rates. Open 7 days a week 9am – 8pm. Venue: St Clements Church, St Clements Road, Chorlton, M21 9AE. For more info phone 0161 881 1535 or email info@facetofacecounselling.org.uk

Chorlton Anxiety Group – Support Group:
For sufferers of all anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, OCD, social phobia etc. Meets every Tuesday 7-9pm. Contact: Andrea Phone: 0161 226 3871 The service is free and works on a drop in basis. Email: communityservices@selfhelpservices.org.uk Website: www.selfhelpservices.org.uk Address: Chorlton Methodist Church, Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9JG.

Chorlton Allotment Project / The Lost Plot: Gardening group
based at Southern allotments off Nell Lane, Wintermans Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21. Takes place every Sunday from 1pm onwards. Free attendance. Each member may take home some produce for themselves. Phone or email before attending to check its going ahead. Contact Clare Walker on 07595 873 221 clare.walker@afsl.org.uk or Sarah 07930 898 935.

Grow For It: Gardening group and drop in at Scott Avenue Community Plot weekly sessions at Sat at 11am (2 hrs), Sun at 2pm (2 hrs), Wed at 6pm (1.5 hrs) (British Summer Time only for this last slot). Phone Lucas 07973 139 068 or 07521 500 223.

Swimming for Manchester residents aged 60 and over, this is a free activity all year round during public swimming sessions.

Zumba classes for the over 60’s every Friday at 11.30am costs £1.50

Egerton Court Lunch Club:
Open to anyone 55+ and resident in Manchester. It’s a good way to get out of the house and spend time with other people having a chat and something good to eat. Venue: 35a Edge Lane, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9HF. Lunch is served at 12pm prompt every Friday and is followed by a game of bingo. Costs £3 for a meal, including dessert and a drink. Contact Frances Farley for more information on 0161 881 0894 or Email frances.farley@yourhoursinggroup.co.uk

Pakistani Resource Centre:
Drop in available at Ashville Medical Surgery, Chorlton on Fridays 9 – 12pm. Aims to empower South Asian Communities to confront some of the problems they may experience, includes Trafford South Asian Mental Health Project, Help the Aged Project, South Asian Offenders and families Project, Welfare Rights Project, Counselling and translation services. All workers speak Urdu and Punjabi. Based at 1 Great Marlborough Street Manchester M1 5NJ Tel: 0161 434 7800 Email: info@pakistani-resource.org.uk Other drop in’s available in Cheetham Hill and Longsight.

The Edge Theatre, Arts Centre and café:
At Chorlton, Manchester Road, M21 9JG. 70 seat theatre. For more information or to get a programme phone 0161 282 9776.

Stroke CaféBarlow Moor Community Centre (2016): 23 Merseybank Avenue, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7NT from 10am to 1pm on Tuesdays 5 January, 2 February, 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 6 December. A two course lunch is available for a small charge. Tea and coffee are free. Phone Helen Gilbertson for more information: 0161 742 7482 or 07983343003. N.B if we’re signposting people to this then they should be referred to Helen Gilbertson from the Stroke Association so she is aware of the person’s background, needs etc. Helen.Gilbertson@stroke.org.uk

Together Dementia Support:
Carers drop in group on 3 out of 4 Tuesdays 7-9pm at Chorlton Central Church Barlow Moor Road M21 8BF. If you cannot leave the person with dementia at home our volunteers will chat with him or her and engage them in simple activities whilst you participate in the group. It’s best to phone head. Contact Sally Ferris on 07854 335 890 or sally@togetherdementiasupport.org

Intergen (Chorlton Cluster):
Volunteering which brings older people and children together in primary and secondary schools for their mutual benefit. Activities variable. Contact Estelle Longmore on 0161 264 0089 or 07798 707 795. The process involves: you or the potential volunteer contacting Estelle by phone or email. She would arrange to meet the volunteer either in their own home or in a coffee shop. They would complete an application form; Estelle would interview them about what they hoped to get from volunteering as well as what Intergen might expect. She would follow up 2 references and do a DBS (no cost involved). They would discuss which school they might like to help in and what they might do. When all that is done satisfactorily Estelle would introduce them to the school of their choice. The volunteer would meet the school co-ordinator and things would begin! (not sure this is still operating in Chorlton-BL)

Trafford African Carribean over 50s club. Every Wednesday in the main hall from 12-4pm. For over 50’s with an African Caribbean heritage. There is an exercise group and dominoes before the serving of lunch. This is followed by a popular game of bingo with cash prizes.

Southway Housing Trust:
Manages and improves homes in Chorlton. Website has information on how to report repairs, paying your rent online, buying and renting a home. Phone 0161 448 4200 Fax: 0161 448 4334 Email connect2southway@southwayhousing.co.uk It has its own Age Friendly Team. It also has its a Time Banking scheme (sharing skills service) run by Ian Peppard, I.Peppard@southwayhousing.co.uk

There’s also a Men only group every Thurs from 10am – 12pm, the group is introducing a voluntary £2 subs to contribute towards trips out etc.

There’s also a Women’s group every Tuesday from 1.30-3.30pm.

There’s also a music drop-in every Tuesday from 12.30pm – 5pm. Encourages people to express themselves through music and learn how to play an instrument. Contact Paul Roberts 0161 226-9562 for more information.

Link Good Neighbours:
Fallowfield, Rusholme, Whalley Range, Hulme & Moss Side: 1-1 Befriending visits T. Referral by email including clients personal and contact details, social and basic health information or call through on 0161 225 1064 (Mon– Fri 9–5). Suzanne Cooper suzanne@trinityhousecrc.org.uk (LINK) Simon Bradley simon@trinityhousecrc.org.uk (LINK TWO) Brian Owen brian@trinityhousecrc.org.uk (LINK TWO) Lydia Anthony lydia@trinityhousecrc.org.uk (Trinity House CRC). Services – home visits, gardening for people who can’t manage it, taking wheelchair users out to the local park, reading letters and newspapers to people who are sight impaired, helping to do the shopping for people with mobility problems, helping people with mobility problems to get to medical or other appointments.

Arts & Crafts Group, every Wednesday at 1.30pm at Trinity House or, on the last Wed of each month, at the Gallery of Costume, Platt Hall, Platt Fields Park (just across Platt Lane from Trinity House). Costs 50p no need to book.

Coffee mornings every Friday from 10:30am including quizzes or art projects, and leading right through to lunch at midday. Lunch costs £3 per person and includes a main course and dessert.

Health walks, take a gentle stroll around Platt Fields Park, followed by refreshments. Phone for more info.

Easy Rhythms Circuit Class, Every Thurs at 12-1pm. A low impact circuits based exercise class suitable for older people or people new to exercise. Exercises can be adapted for chair based exercise and everybody is welcome. Sessions are £1 each.

Every Thursday at Will Griffiths Court, 3 Elwick Close, Whalley Range, M16 7LAfrom 10am to 1pm, join the local men’s group for tea/coffee, food, activities and use of the computers. £2 per session. Phone for more info.

Coffee and Computing sessions run to help local people get online and understand how to use the internet. Sessions are open to people of all abilities, whether you’ve used a computer before or not. If you know someone who’s like to get online for the first time, why not pass the message on. We have volunteers ready and willing to talk you through simple activities in basic computer use, email and social networking. All sessions are free of charge and there is no need to book, although the number of computers available is limited. Our Coffee and Computing Sessions run as follows:

RSVP Freewalkers:
RSVP Freewalkers, usually on a Wed pm, organises easy-paced “health and discovery” walks exploring interesting routes in the local countryside, starting and ending at points serviced by public transport. The main aim is to help over-60 bus pass holders to enjoy active recreation at no money cost; other walkers over 50 are welcome to take part but, of course, have to fund their own fares. Address: 44 Brantingham Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8PP. Main contact Will Peters 0161 226 2454 willpetersburg@btinternet.com

Together Dementia Support:
Walk and Talk Group – Wednesdays 11 – 12.30pm Alexandra Park Whalley Range. They are a mix of people living with dementia, relatives and volunteers who will enjoy chatting with you. After the walk (taken at your pace) there are refreshments and nature-based activities in the café. It’s best to phone head. Contact Sally Ferris on 07854 335 890 or sally@togetherdementiasupport.org

Trafford African Carribean over 50s club. Every Wednesday in the main hall from 12-4pm. For over 50’s with an African Caribbean heritage. There is an exercise group and dominoes before the serving of lunch. This is followed by a popular game of bingo with cash prizes.

At the Good neighbours Coffee Morning on Nov 24th, Jean Finney gave a talk about witches and superstitions, This was part of the Chorlton Book Festival ‘mystery ‘ theme. Over 60 people were there for the talk

On Thursday 10thNovember just under 90 people attended another successful event held at Chorlton Good Neighbours. Organised by Helen Hibberd, Co ordinator of CGN, and Chris Ricard and Loren Grant from the local Age Friendly Team, a series of speakers from various health backgrounds gave information, and answered participants’ questions.

Arthur makes and announcement

Guest speakers included

Emma Gilbey, Programme Manager for Integrating care, spoke about the changes that are beginning to take place locally with the aim of bringing health professionals, social services and the voluntary sector together to work more effectively for its residents

Laura Cassidy, a neighbourhood health worker form BUZZ who described the services and support they could offer people to help lose weight, stop smoking and take up more exercise

Ellen Martinez with the local Falls team talked about how people could help prevent falls by reducing hazards in the home, and by taking exercise to strengthen bones and increase flexibility. She also introduced the topic of bone health. A further session advising about bone health will take place by the Falls team at Chorlton Good Neighbours coffee morning on Thursday 1st December 10-11.30am. This will allow individuals to come and speak with that team and have a preliminary assessment.

Loren Grant gave a presentation about nutrition as we enter the winter months and the importance of omega 3’s, vitamin D and some supplements.

Emma Gilbey

Part of the audience at the event

Mary O’Mahony and Angela Downing on the door, with Mary Watson, councillor for Whalley Range

Soup was provided by North Star deli and rolls /cakes were donated by the local Morrisons. Entertainment by Magic Barry and Dave Taylor rounded off the event; with grateful thanks as always to the fantastic Chorlton Good Neighbours volunteer team who provided endless cups of tea, served food and did all the washing up.

For most of September and October the weather on the Friday mornings where we meet at the Good Neighbours Garden has been very good. By late September we had a profusion of tomatoes and beans, plus late salad crops we had only planted in early September

Here is the greenhouse, still producing tomatoes (mostly the Sungold variety) in late September

On Sep 30th the weather wasn’t so kind, yet it didn’t stop Marianne, whilst I took the photo from the safety of the greenhouse

Picking some of the profussion of green beans. We would pick a load one week and then the nbext week find just as many on only 3 plants in an arch over the raised beds

Tony always brings a selection of jokes along – usually a week’s load of ‘jokes of the day’ he sources from the Oxfam shop where he works

and here is Tony’s attentive audience.
(who said the CGN garden was just for older men!)

Tony admires the pink flowers whihc he had planted earlier in the season A week later the weather was better again Gearldine and Tony getting ready for some work

Big event of the week – the tree surgeons from the Tree Station a social enterprise based in Gorton arrived on Thurs 13th October to pollard the big willow that threatening to shded large branches on our neighbour’s garage. Though it now looks a bit bare, the willow will soon send out branches from the 5 nodes left lorry and big chipper arrives at Good Neighbours

Up in the tree securing branches so that when they are cut they won’t fall on the garage

Having a well earned tea break after curring down the branchese safely. Now just the wood chipping and clearing up to do

Bob Cowan, was born on July 5th 1919 and grew up in Moss Side. He died on 25th Sep 2016. Together with his wife Joyce he was an active member of Chorlton Good Neighbours for many years. He was a veteran of the World War 2 Arctic convoys and we have featured many stories about our successful attempts to ensure that Bob got the Ushakov medal from the Russian government to acknowledge the bravery of those sailors who kept the Russians supplied with armaments to enable them to fight the Nazis in the darkest period of WW2

Bob Cowan

Bob was in the navy from 1940 to 1946, starting as an ordinary seamen and then climbing through the ranks – able seaman, leading seaman and ending up as a petty officer

Bob was aboard the tribal class destroyer, Mashona when she took part in operations resulting in the sinking of the Bismarck on 27 May 1941. She came under heavy air attack from the Luftwaffe while returning to port the following day, and was bombed and sunk off the coast of Galway with the loss of 48 men. It seems it was a sitting duck as it was proceeding very slowly due to lack of fuel. Bob was swimming around in the water for 30 mins or so before he was picked up by HMS Tartar which took the survivors to Greenock

The Arctic Convoys

“The Arctic convoys, described by Winston Churchill as the most dangerous of the entire war, transported four million tons of crucial supplies and munitions to Russia between 1941 and 1945, supporting the Red Army in the conflict. As Germany occupied Norway, the British ships had to take a treacherous northerly route, often skirting the Arctic ice floes, before dropping south into Russian ports including Murmansk and Archangel. In bitter cold, the merchant seamen and their Royal Navy escorts endured repeated attacks from both U-boats and Luftwaffe bombers, often sustaining heavy losses.

Just under 3,000 British seamen were killed during the convoys, the majority never recovered from the icy waters. More than 100 British ships were sunk during the campaign” Bob Cowan was on two of these convoys PQ16 and PQ18, In each a third of the ships in each convoy were sunk

Bob was eventually discharged from the navy on Jan 1st 1946 exactly 6 years after he had joined the navy. He later trained as a company accountant and worked as a manager at Procter and Gamble in Trafford Park until his retirement

Here are links to some of the stories and videos about Bob and the fight for recognistion of the Arctic Convoy sailors

Most of my career in nursing has been working with Children and Adolescents.

I started volunteering with CGN in March 2015 when I retired and have been visiting two ladies in the community for the past 18 months which I have found very interesting and enjoyable.

I started working three days a week as the community support worker at the beginning of July 2016.

I have met a number of people with various needs and have enjoyed getting to know the people I visit. Some of the people I visit I take out shopping in a wheelchair and my driving skills are getting better the more I do it!

Others I visit for a chat or we go for a walk or go to a cafe for a chat and cup of tea or coffee.

I am really enjoying my days getting to know all the people I visit and find the time I spend with them truly rewarding.

Local Toastmaster Royale, Terence McNicholls led 70 people in a wonderful
celebration of the Queens 90th Birthday at the Thursday coffee morning on
9th June.

As well as conducting the toast to her Majesty, members of the
audience were invited to share their memories of meeting with Royalty and
especially the Queen. Helen talked about the conversation she shared with
the Queen when she received her MBE last October and others recollected
meeting Princess Diana , receiving their nursing certificates from the
Duchess of Kent and how Prince Andrew still comes up to the Plaza Theatre in
Stockport.

There was bingo, a raffle and entertainment from Dave Taylor,
whilst Wiltshire Farm foods provided a free lunch and dessert for everyone.

Dennis Haughton dressed as a king for the day, and others came in red, white
and blue! Such a great day and we all felt part of the national few days
celebration in support of our Queen.

Ann Moran from the local Morrrisons store came with 60 easter eggs for volunteers and older service users at the Good Neighbours coffee morning on 24 March.. These had been donated by staff and the general public.

91 year old Sofja Szyman looking terrific at the Good Neighbours Easter Egg coffee morning